Meaning trap
lay off
stop doing something annoying
To stop doing something that is bothering or annoying someone.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To stop doing something that is bothering or annoying someone.
Another meaning of 'lay off' is 'stop employing'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Can you lay off the noise? I'm trying to study.daily life
- Sometimes, friends need to lay off making jokes if someone feels uncomfortable.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: lay off + (something/someone)
WrongLay off to criticise me.
RightLay off criticising me. / Lay off me.
'Lay off + -ing' or 'lay off + someone', not 'lay off to + verb'.
Patternlay off + (something/someone)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Lay off' is the natural way to tell someone to back off. 'Stop pestering me about this matter' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
lay offmehimthe jokesa bit
Don't confuse it
Not about jobs—this sense is about stopping an action, not employment.
Related
- lay off (stop employing) — Another meaning of 'lay off' is 'stop employing'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.